Non-Sporting Dog Breeds by Popularity
A Diverse Collection of Companion Breeds
↓ Skip directly to Non-Sporting BreedsThe Non-Sporting Dog Group includes a fascinating variety of breeds that do not fit into other traditional categories. From compact companion dogs to more athletic and energetic partners, these breeds offer remarkable diversity in size, coat type, temperament and purpose.
Key Characteristics of Non-Sporting Dog Breeds
- Wide variation in size, coat type and personality
- Includes both highly active and more relaxed companion breeds
- Many make excellent family dogs
- Often known for distinctive and recognizable appearances
- Exercise and grooming needs vary significantly by breed
Ideal For:
The Non-Sporting Group offers options for nearly every lifestyle. Whether you're seeking an active companion, a laid-back family dog, or a breed with unique visual appeal, this diverse group provides many possibilities.
Understanding Breed Popularity
Breeds within the Non-Sporting Group vary widely. Well-known breeds such as the French Bulldog and Poodle consistently rank among the most popular nationwide, while rarer breeds like the Tibetan Spaniel may require more dedicated research to locate reputable breeders.
Browse Non-Sporting Breeds by Popularity
Size Range: The lower end of each height/weight range represents typical female measurements, while the higher end reflects male averages.
French Bulldog
Origin: France
Purpose: Companion
Height: 11-13"
Weight: 16-28 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #1
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Poodle
Toy | Miniature | Standard
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Water retrieving
Height: <10 | 10-15 | >15"
Weight: 4-6 | 10-15 | 40-70 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #5
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Bulldog
Origin: England
Purpose: Bull-baiting
Height: 14-15"
Weight: 40-50 lbs
Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #9
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Boston Terrier
Origin: United States
Purpose: Companion
Height: 10-12"
Weight: 12-25 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #23
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Shiba Inu
Origin: Japan
Purpose: Hunting
Height: 13.5-16.5"
Weight: 17-23 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #42
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Bichon Frise
Origin: Mediterranean
Purpose: Companion
Height: 9.5-11.5"
Weight: 12-18 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #46
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Dalmatian
Origin: Croatia
Purpose: Coach dog
Height: 19-24"
Weight: 45-70 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #48
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Chinese Shar-Pei
Origin: China
Purpose: Hunting, guarding
Height: 18-20"
Weight: 45-60 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #83
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Chow Chow
Origin: China
Purpose: Hunting, guarding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 45-70 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #88
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Keeshond
Origin: Netherlands
Purpose: Barge watchdog
Height: 17-18"
Weight: 35-45 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #90
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Coton de Tulear
Origin: Madagascar
Purpose: Companion
Height: 9-11"
Weight: 8-15 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #92
Classified as 'Toy' with CKC
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Lhasa Apso
Origin: Tibet
Purpose: Companion, watchdog
Height: 10-11"
Weight: 12-18 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #94
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Schipperke
Origin: Belgium
Purpose: Ratting, watchdog
Height: 10-13"
Weight: 10-16 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #106
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American Eskimo Dog
Toy | Miniature | Standard
Origin: United States
Purpose: Companion
Height: 9-12 | 12-15 | 15-19"
Weight: 6-10 | 10-20 | 25-35 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #116
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Tibetan Terrier
Origin: Tibet
Purpose: Companion, herding
Height: 14-17"
Weight: 18-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #117
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Xoloitzcuintli
Toy | Miniature | Standard
Origin: Mexico
Purpose: Companion, guardian
Height: 10-14 | 14-18 | 18-23"
Weight: 10-15 | 15-30 | 30-55 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #119
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Tibetan Spaniel
Origin: Tibet
Purpose: Companion, watch dog
Height: 10"
Weight: 9-15 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #126
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German Pinscher
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Ratting & guarding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 25-45 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #133
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Lowchen
Origin: Germany/France
Purpose: Companion
Height: 12-14"
Weight: 15 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #154
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Finnish Spitz
Origin: Finland
Purpose: Hunting
Height: 15.5-20"
Weight: 20-33 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #194
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Norwegian Lundehund
Origin: Norway
Purpose: Hunting puffins
Height: 12-15"
Weight: 12-18 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #198
CKC classified as 'Hound'
AKC classified in 'Non-Sporting'
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Japanese Spitz
Origin: Japan
Purpose: Companion
Height: 12-15"
Weight: 10-25 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet Ranked
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